Emiliano Lattes is poised to sign for Birkirkara after the Argentine winger parted ways with Sliema Wanderers.

It had been widely assumed that Lattes would spend this season with Sliema in light of his participation in the team’s Europa League matches against Croatian side HNK Sibenik but the Blues have decided against retaining the former Msida player.

Sources told The Times that Birkirkara immediately declared their interest in acquiring the 25-year-old Lattes after learning of his departure from Sliema.

Discussions between Birkirkara officials and Lattes led to an agreement yesterday over the terms of his contract. Lattes is expected to ink a one-year deal with an option of another year.

News that Birkirkara are about to recruit Lattes is likely to be viewed as another clear sign that the champions are resigned to losing Sylvano Comvalius. The Dutch winger is still on Birkirkara’s books but he has been away from the islands for the past two weeks.

Although the Stripes gave Comvalius permission to travel to Holland for the birth of his first child, they have grown increasingly frustrated with his incessant pursuit of a move abroad. Comvalius had two trials with Russian side Spartak Nalchik earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Birkirkara, on a high after their 1-0 win over Slovak champions MSK Zilina in the Champions League on Tuesday, are giving a trial to a Brazilian defender.

Leandro Antonio da Silva, a 28-year-old centre-half who had a one-year spell with Nuremberg a few years back, was due to report for his first training session with the Stripes yesterday evening.

The Stripes have also agreed to loan goalkeeper Omar Borg to Ħamrun Spartans for one year.

Under the terms of the accord between the two clubs, Borg is to join the Spartans after Birkirkara’s away Champions League match against MSK Zilina next Wednesday.